Durand Cup 135th edition: Army Chief inaugurates Imphal chapter at Khuman Lampak
Synopsis
Asia's oldest football tournament reached Imphal on 28 July with a ceremony blending military pageantry, Manipuri cultural heritage, and football — Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla presiding over a kick-off that included a specially abled child, a fighter aircraft flypast, and the iconic three-trophy drill of the 135-year-old Durand Cup.
Key Takeaways
Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth inaugurated the Imphal chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup on 28 July 2026 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium .
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla performed the ceremonial kick-off alongside specially abled child Wanglembam Ocenao .
The opening fixture was contested between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC .
The 135th edition runs from 25 July to 23 August 2026 across 5 cities and 6 venues , featuring 24 teams in 43 matches .
The Durand Cup, established in 1888 , is Asia's oldest and the world's third-oldest surviving football tournament.
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 attended the inauguration of the Imphal chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal, alongside Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the state's Chief Minister. The ceremony marked the tournament's arrival in one of Indian football's most passionate host cities.
Key Dignitaries and Military Presence
The inauguration drew a senior military contingent. Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, was present alongside Lt Gen Girish Kalia, GOC, 3 Corps, and Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, GOC, Bengal Sub Area and vice chairman. Recorded video messages from Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani and General Seth were also played during the proceedings.
Ceremony Highlights
The opening drew on Manipur's layered cultural identity. Participating clubs TRAU FC and NEROCA FC entered the stadium in a ceremonial march alongside children, followed by the National Song and National Anthem. A military band performance, a skydiving display, and a ceremonial flypast by Army helicopters and fighter aircraft drew applause from the crowd.
Cultural performances included patriotic songs by Silentliu Kamei and singer Sadananda, a military jazz band fusion, demonstrations of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, and Chenda, a traditional Manipuri dance by students of the Manipur Government Dance College, and a display of the indigenous martial art Thang-Ta. A Trophy Drill showcased the three prizes awarded to the champions — the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Simla Trophy.
In a notable moment, specially abled child Wanglembam Ocenao of B.B. Paul Mental Development House, Mongsangei, joined Governor Bhalla for the ceremonial kick-off and was felicitated on stage. The Governor then officially inaugurated the Imphal chapter before the opening fixture between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC commenced.
Manipur's Football Legacy
The ceremony underlined Manipur's deep association with Indian football. The state has produced some of the country's finest footballers and consistently provides one of the tournament's most electric atmospheres. An audio-visual presentation during the ceremony highlighted Manipur's sporting legacy and its contribution to the armed forces.
About the 135th Durand Cup
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of all three services and with support from host state governments, the Durand Cup is Asia's oldest and the world's third-oldest surviving football tournament, established in 1888. The 135th edition runs from 25 July to 23 August 2026 across five host cities — Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal — featuring 24 teams, including a side representing the Sri Lankan armed forces, competing in 43 matches at six venues.
Point of View
With senior military brass front and centre, reinforces the institution's soft-power play in the Northeast. What mainstream coverage often underplays is how deeply football functions as social infrastructure in Manipur: TRAU FC and NEROCA FC are not just clubs, they are community anchors in a state that has seen prolonged civil unrest. The Durand Cup's return to Imphal is, in that context, a statement of normalcy — one the Army has a clear interest in projecting.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Imphal chapter of the 135th Durand Cup inaugurated?
The Imphal chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup was inaugurated at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on 28 July 2026. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla presided over the ceremony.
Which teams played the opening match of the Durand Cup in Imphal?
TRAU FC and NEROCA FC contested the opening fixture of the Imphal chapter. Both are prominent clubs from the Northeast and are among the 24 teams competing in the 135th edition.
What is the Durand Cup and why is it significant?
The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is Asia's oldest and the world's third-oldest surviving football tournament. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of all three services, it features clubs, services teams, and international participation.
How many cities and teams are part of the 135th Durand Cup?
The 135th edition is being played across five host cities — Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal — at six venues. It features 24 teams, including a side representing the Sri Lankan armed forces, competing in 43 matches between 25 July and 23 August 2026.
Who else attended the Durand Cup inauguration in Imphal?
Senior military officials including Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan (GOC-in-C, Eastern Command), Lt Gen Girish Kalia (GOC, 3 Corps), and Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh (GOC, Bengal Sub Area) attended. Video messages from Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani were also played at the ceremony.
